King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:33 Mean?

Matthew 20:33 in the King James Version says “They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

Matthew 20:33 · KJV

Context

31

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

32

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

33

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

34

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Read Matthew 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened (Κύριε, ἵνα ἀνοιχθῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν)—The blind men's request is specific, humble, and acknowledges dependence. That our eyes may be opened (ἵνα ἀνοιχθῶσιν)—The subjunctive aorist passive anoichthōsin recognizes that only Jesus can open their eyes; they cannot do this themselves. The passive voice implies divine action—only God can give sight, physically and spiritually.

Verse 34 records Jesus's immediate healing: 'Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.' Their healing contrasts with the disciples' persistent blindness (v. 24). Physical sight leads to discipleship—'they followed him.' The blind men's progression models salvation: hearing about Jesus (v. 30), crying out for mercy (v. 30), persisting despite opposition (v. 31), receiving His call (v. 32), confessing need (v. 33), experiencing His compassion (v. 34), and following Him (v. 34).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Blindness in Scripture often symbolizes spiritual inability to perceive God's truth (Isaiah 6:10, 42:7; John 9:39-41). Jesus frequently healed the blind as a Messianic sign fulfilling Isaiah 35:5 ('Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened'). This healing, strategically placed before Jesus's triumphal entry (21:1-11), demonstrates that true disciples see Jesus's identity while crowds remain blind to His mission. The blind men's subsequent 'following' suggests they joined the pilgrim procession into Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the simplicity of 'that our eyes may be opened' contrast with the complexity of worldly ambition seen in verses 20-24?
  2. What does the passive voice ('may be opened') teach about human inability and divine grace in salvation?
  3. How does the blind men's immediate following of Jesus after healing (v. 34) challenge superficial Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
λέγουσιν1 of 8

“They say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ2 of 8

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Κύριε3 of 8

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἵνα4 of 8

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀνοιχθῶσιν5 of 8

“may be opened”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

ἡμῶν6 of 8

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

οἱ7 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοί8 of 8

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 20:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 20:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:18Ephesians 1:17-19

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 20 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes